IDs of woman accidentally shot by police in Agawam, and officer who shot her, still not released by officials

The Republican | Patrick JohnsonThe scene at Elizabeth Manor Apartments at 238 Maple St. Agawam police accidentally shot a woman there will responding to a domestic call.

ÂAGAWAM — The officer who accidentally shot a 21-year-old woman while responding to a domestic disturbance at Elizabeth Manor Apartments early Saturday has been put on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Meanwhile, neither Agawam police, state police nor Hampden District Attorney Mark G. Mastroianni Monday would identify either the victim or the police officer who shot her.

Police Lt. Richard Light said it’s standard procedure to place any officer involved in such a shooting on paid administrative leave.

Light declined to comment any further on the case save to say that the investigation is continuing. It is being conducted by Agawam police, Hampden District Attorney Mark G. Mastroianni’s office and state police attached to Mastroianni’s office.

Agawam Police Chief Robert D. Campbell referred a reporter to the district attorney and state police for more information.

“They are the primary investigators right now and if they want to release it that is up to them,” Campbell said.

However, Mastroianni said it is up to the Agawam Police Department if it wants to identify the officer.

The district attorney declined to make any identifications, citing privacy concerns. He said he did not know if the victim wants her name released and said it is not customary to give out the names of officers involved in such incidents so early in the investigation.

“When we have collected more information we will release it,” he said, declining to speculate how soon that will be.

In addition, a spokesman at the state police information line also referred a reporter to Mastroianni’s office.

Mayor Richard A. Cohen could not be reached for comment.

The incident happened about 4:38 a.m. at an apartment in the 238 Maple St. complex, according to a press statement issued by the Agawam police. It stated officers arrived and could hear yelling and noise inside. “As police entry was made, the weapon of one of the responding officers was discharged. The bullet struck a female party within the apartment causing a non-fatal injury,” the statement reads.

Robert Connell, who identified himself as the woman’s uncle, said she made it through emergency surgery, but will have a long road to recovery.

Connell said the young mother of two is pregnant and recovering at Baystate Medical Center after suffering a gunshot wound to her jaw.

“We expect a thorough and transparent investigation of what happened and we hope no other family has to endure something like this,” he said.

An examination of the police log shows a “911-domestic dispute” listed at 4:29 a.m. Saturday with the words “services rendered” under action taken. The item also states five units responded to the call.